Program Specialist

Ascend FS; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work environment

Competitive compensation

RRSP matching retirement savings

Job summary

Ascend Fundraising Solutions' fast-paced Multi-Charity Lottery Division is hiring a Program Specialist on a full-time, 12-month contract starting October 15. You will ensure seamless execution of lottery programs and serve as the primary contact for charitable partners across Canada.

You will handle partner onboarding, verify draws, coordinate prize fulfillment, and support finance, reporting, and PR activities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, communications, or a related field preferred.
• 1–3 years in program coordination, operations, or related roles.
• Experience in non-profit or lottery sectors is a plus.
• Strong communication and organizational skills, with attention to detail.
• Proficiency with Notion, Microsoft 365, Excel; familiarity with Claude or ChatGPT a plus.

Responsibilities

• Onboard charity partners and support them to maximize fundraising success.
• Verify draws, contact winners, and manage prize fulfillment.
• Provide project and operational support using Notion and timelines.
• Assist with invoicing, reporting, and analytics.
• Liaise with media and support marketing efforts.

Skills

Communication

Organization

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Time management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Notion

Claude

ChatGPT

Metabase

Microsoft 365

Excel

Job description

Join Ascend Fundraising Solutions’ fast-paced and rapidly growing Multi-Charity Lottery Division, where success means making a difference for hundreds of charities. In its first year alone, this division raised over $10M for more than 200 charities across Canada.

This is a full-time, 12-month contract position covering a maternity leave, with an anticipated start of October 15. There is potential for extension or transition to a permanent role depending on business needs. As a Program Specialist, your first priority will be ensuring the seamless execution and operations of our multi-charity lottery programs. You will also play a key role in supporting partner success by acting as a direct point of contact for charitable organizations, helping them maximize their fundraising outcomes. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a mission-driven, impactful business line that directly benefits communities across Canada.

Key Responsibilities

Charity Partner Onboarding and Success

• Serve as the primary point of contact for onboarding new charity partners, ensuring a smooth setup process and a positive experience.
• Provide resources and support to help partners achieve fundraising success while minimizing their operational burdens.
• Maintain and update the Partner Hub with accurate and up-to-date resources to ensure partners have the tools they need.

Winner and Prize Fulfillment

• Verify draw results and contact winners to inform them of their prizes.
• Manage prize fulfillment logistics and liaise with charities when winners have supported their organizations.
• Collaborate with the marketing team to gather winner photos and testimonials for promotional campaigns.
• Verify prize release documents and approve winner eligibility for cheque release
• Assist with the weekly reconciliation to ensure accounts balance, and process voids/refunds as needed.

Operational and Project Support

• Collaborate with the Senior Director of Program Management to ensure smooth progression of day-to-day tasks for client accounts and on-time delivery within established timelines.
• Fulfill project management responsibilities as defined by the Senior Director of Program Management, ensuring project objectives and deadlines are met.
• Utilize Notion effectively to manage tasks, projects, and workflows, ensuring timely completion.
• Develop a comprehensive understanding of program details to provide support on various aspects, including AGCO licence submission, and IGCO licence submission.
• Attend client meetings as required for Notion Portal Walk Throughs, Marketing-Related Items, and more.

Finance and Reporting Support

• Assist with invoice processing and accounts payable reconciliation, collaborating with the Finance team to ensure accuracy.
• Assist with reporting both internal and external.

PR and Media Liaison

• Act as a point of contact for media-related activities, managing outreach, monitoring media coverage, and supporting marketing efforts.

Qualifications and Skills

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in business administration, communications, or a related field preferred.
• Experience: 1-3 years in program coordination, operations, or related roles; experience in non-profit or lottery sectors is a plus.
• Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with tools such as Notion, Claude, ChatGPT, Metabase, Microsoft 365, and Excel is valued.
• Skills:
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, for partner management and winner communications.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks against hard deadlines.
• Attention to detail, especially in operational and regulatory aspects where accuracy is critical.
• Proactive problem-solving and adaptability in a fast-paced environment.

What We Offer

• Mission-Driven Impact: Be part of a company that focuses on doing good for charities, furthering important causes, and making a difference in communities across Canada.
• Growth-Oriented Culture: Thrive in a team that values innovation, professional development, and success.
• Hybrid Work Environment: Employees work both in-office and remotely, depending on the day of the week, ensuring flexibility and collaboration.
• Competitive Compensation: Includes a competitive salary and bonus structure.
• Retirement Savings Program: Matching RRSP contributions to help secure your future.

Ideal Candidate

This role suits someone who is available for the full contract term and comfortable taking ownership of an established portfolio quickly, with a strong handover at both ends.